DR. NAZIM KAJANI
MBBS, MS (Ortho/OSM) Trauma and accident care Rheumatology Chronic Pain Management
- Experience: 14 years
- Hospital: St. Jude Medical Center
- Fee: ₹1,500
- Rating: ★ 5.0
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Cardiology
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other substances) in the artery walls, which restricts blood flow.
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What is this disease?
A disease in which plaque—made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances—builds up inside your arteries, causing them to harden and narrow, which restricts blood flow.
Symptoms
Select the symptoms you are experiencing. We will route Normal Appointment, Urgent Request, or Emergency Guidance. This is navigation help, not a medical diagnosis.
Causes & risk factors
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
risk factor
Over time, chronic high blood pressure can damage the inner lining of the arteries (the endothelium), allowing cholesterol, fat, and other substances to accumulate and harden into plaque.
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Smoking
lifestyle
Chemical compounds in tobacco smoke damage blood vessels, significantly increasing the rate at which plaque builds up in the arteries while also lowering the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
Diagnosis / tests
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Blood Tests
Blood tests are used to check cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. High levels of these substances are key indicators that raise the risk of plaque buildup and atherosclerosis.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
A quick and painless test that measures and records the electrical signals of the heart. It can reveal if there has been reduced blood flow to the heart caused by narrowed arteries.
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Coronary Calcium Scan
This test uses computerized tomography (CT) imaging to look for and measure calcium deposits in the artery walls. A higher amount of calcium buildup is an early and significant indicator of atherosclerosis.
First aid / immediate care
Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition, so general first aid does not apply to the disease itself. However, if it causes a severe acute event like a heart attack or stroke, call emergency services immediately. For a suspected heart attack, having the person sit down, rest, and chew an aspirin (if they are not allergic) while waiting for paramedics can be beneficial.
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Call Emergency Services
Emergency
Call emergency medical help immediately if you or someone else experiences sudden symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort spreading to the arms or jaw. Do not attempt to drive the person to the hospital yourself unless there is no other option.
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Give Aspirin or Prescribed Medication
Emergency
Help the person into a comfortable resting position. If they are awake, not allergic, and able to swallow, give them a chewable aspirin to reduce blood clotting and heart damage. If they have a prescription for nitroglycerin, assist them in taking it strictly as directed by their healthcare professional.
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Begin CPR if Unresponsive
Emergency
If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing, immediately begin hands-only CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, turn it on and follow its clear voice instructions.
Treatment
Educational information only — not a personal prescription. Always consult a qualified clinician.
Treatment focuses on slowing or stopping plaque buildup, preventing blood clots, and relieving symptoms. Options include lifestyle changes, medications (such as statins for cholesterol, blood pressure drugs, and blood thinners), and medical procedures (like angioplasty and stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery) for severe blockages.
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Statins and Cholesterol Medications
medication
Medications such as statins are commonly prescribed to aggressively lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This can help slow, stop, or even reverse the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
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Angioplasty and Stent Placement
procedure
A minimally invasive procedure where a doctor threads a thin tube (catheter) into the narrowed part of the artery. A small balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a wire mesh tube (stent) is often placed to keep it permanently open and improve blood flow.
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Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
surgery
For severe atherosclerosis, surgeons take a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to create a new path (bypass) for blood to flow around the blocked or narrowed artery, restoring adequate blood supply to the heart.
Prevention / protection
The most effective way to prevent atherosclerosis is by managing risk factors. This includes quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in check through regular medical screenings.
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Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
Focus on eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars to help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which prevents plaque buildup.
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Exercise Regularly
Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Routine exercise helps improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight.
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Quit Smoking
Stopping the use of tobacco is one of the most effective ways to prevent atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking halts the ongoing damage to the inner lining of your blood vessels and significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Diet & lifestyle
Lifestyle
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, quit all tobacco use, limit alcohol consumption, and practice stress-management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Diet
Follow a heart-healthy diet like the Mediterranean or DASH diet. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (like fish and poultry). Use healthy fats, such as olive oil and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Things to avoid
Strictly avoid smoking and using tobacco products. In your diet, avoid foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, excess sodium (salt), and added sugars. Limit your intake of red meat, highly processed foods, and full-fat dairy products.
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Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
diet
Adopt an eating plan like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and legumes. Strictly limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and refined sugars to help lower bad cholesterol and manage blood pressure.
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Engage in Regular Physical Activity
exercise
Get regular exercise and keep an active lifestyle. Routine physical activity helps improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight.
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Prioritize Quality Sleep
lifestyle
Disruptive rest conditions, such as sleep apnea, are controllable risk factors that can negatively impact arterial health. Seeking treatment to ensure adequate, uninterrupted sleep protects your cardiovascular system.
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Control Underlying Health Conditions
general advice
Work closely with your healthcare provider to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Consistently managing related conditions like diabetes is crucial to preventing the disease from getting worse.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption
things to avoid
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase your triglyceride levels, both of which accelerate the hardening and narrowing of your arteries. If you choose to drink alcohol, it should only be consumed in moderation.
Warning signs & when to seek care
Mild atherosclerosis often has no symptoms. As it worsens, warning signs depend on which arteries are affected and can include: chest pain or pressure (angina), sudden numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, slurred speech, temporary loss of vision, or leg pain when walking (claudication).
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Unexplained Fatigue & Shortness of Breath
Experiencing unusual tiredness or feeling short of breath during mild exertion or daily activities. This can be an early indicator of reduced blood flow.
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Claudication (Leg Pain During Activity)
Pain, heaviness, or cramping in the calves, thighs, or buttocks while walking or climbing stairs that resolves when resting. This indicates restricted blood flow in the peripheral arteries.
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Angina (Chest Discomfort)
Feeling pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest, especially during physical activity or stress. The discomfort may radiate to the arms, shoulder, jaw, or back.
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Sudden Numbness, Weakness, or Slurred Speech
Emergency
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs (often on one side), difficulty speaking, or sudden loss of vision. These are critical signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
When should I see a doctor?
Schedule an appointment with a doctor if you have risk factors for atherosclerosis (such as a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure) or if you start noticing early symptoms like leg pain while exercising or unexplained fatigue and shortness of breath.
Emergency warning
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience signs of a heart attack (severe chest pain that may radiate to the left arm, neck, or jaw, combined with shortness of breath and sweating) or signs of a stroke (sudden drooping on one side of the face, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking).
Find the right specialist
Based on the selected health concern, these specialists may be relevant. Cardiology is listed as a starting point for Atherosclerosis — this is navigation help, not a diagnosis.
Care paths: Normal Appointment · Urgent Request · Emergency Guidance.
Recommended doctors
Matching hospitals
St. Jude Medical Center
New Delhi
FAQs
Can atherosclerosis be completely reversed?
While atherosclerosis cannot usually be completely reversed, its progression can be slowed or stopped. In some cases, aggressive lifestyle changes—such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking—along with prescribed medications can help shrink existing plaques slightly.
Is atherosclerosis hereditary?
Yes, genetics can play a significant role. If you have a family history of early heart disease (e.g., a father or brother diagnosed before age 55, or a mother or sister before age 65), your risk of developing atherosclerosis is higher.
What foods should I avoid to prevent plaque buildup?
To protect your arteries, you should limit your intake of saturated fats (found in red meat and full-fat dairy), trans fats (often in processed and fried foods), excessive sodium, and refined carbohydrates with added sugars.
How do doctors diagnose atherosclerosis?
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Doctors often use blood tests to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They may also order imaging tests such as a Doppler ultrasound, an electrocardiogram (ECG), a CT scan, or an angiogram to view the blood flow and blockages in your arteries.
What is the difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a broader term for the stiffening and hardening of the arteries as people age. Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis caused by the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque) in and on the artery walls.
Related conditions
Saathora provides healthcare information to help you understand conditions and find care. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.